Key Takeaways
- Depending on the region, a standard, non-climate-controlled storage unit can reach anywhere from 80°F to 120°F during the summer months.
- A climate-controlled storage unit is highly recommended for sensitive items, such as wooden furniture, electronics, paintings, and artwork.
- Typically, you can keep sensitive items in a non-climate-controlled storage unit for around 30 to 90 days without risking irreversible damage.
Investing in summer storage? Store expensive furniture, artwork, or electronics throughout the warm summer months? Before you lock in a unit with the cheapest storage company you can find, you’ll want to decide if a climate-controlled storage unit is right for you.
Climate-controlled self-storage units are designed to maintain a stable, comfortable temperature throughout the summer. If you plan on storing expensive artwork, technology, or wooden furniture for more than three months out of the year, a climate-controlled space is not a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have.
In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of climate-controlled storage, helping you determine if this is right for your needs. Here’s everything you need to know:
What are Climate-Controlled Storage Units?
Climate-controlled storage is ideal for sensitive items, such as wooden furniture, expensive electronics, paintings, and delicate artwork. These storage units are designed to maintain a consistent indoor temperature and prevent extreme fluctuations. If you plan on storing items that are sensitive to temperature changes, climate-controlled storage is highly recommended. However, it does come at a higher cost and is not always necessary for temporary storage needs or non-sensitive items.
How Summer Heat Can Affect Stored Belongings
Extreme fluctuations in temperatures and humidity can be damaging to your personal belongings. Here’s how the summer heat can damage your belongings in a standard, non-climate-controlled storage unit.
- Furniture: High heat can dry out wood furniture, causing it to warp and crack over time.
- Important Documents: Humidity can lead to mold growth and mildew, damaging important documentation. It can also cause the papers to yellow over time.
- Tech and Electronics: High humidity can damage expensive electronics, sometimes leading to irreparable damage to internal components and screens.
- Artwork: High heat and humidity can damage expensive artwork and irreplaceable items, lowering overall value over time.
- Cardboard Boxes: Concrete flooring can sweat in high humidity, damaging cardboard boxes left directly on the floor.
Which Items Should Be Stored in Climate-Controlled Storage?
If you decide a climate-controlled storage unit is right for you, you’ll have more flexibility and peace of mind. You can safely store electronics, wooden furniture, and other delicate items with ease. Documents, photographs, and artwork are also less prone to damage in a climate-controlled space.
Do You Need Climate-Controlled Storage?
Climate-controlled self-storage tends to be more expensive than standard storage. Therefore, before investing, it’s best to consider your unique storage needs. If you plan to store any sensitive items for the long term, a climate-controlled unit may be a better solution, offering peace of mind and reassurance throughout the year. If you’re looking for temporary storage for a few boxes or seasonal items, you can likely get away with using a standard storage unit.
Is Climate-Controlled Storage Worth the Extra Cost?
Paying more for climate-controlled self-storage is absolutely worth it if you plan on using the unit to store expensive furniture, valuable electronics, or irreplaceable items. Leaving these items in a standard storage unit throughout the summer can lead to irreversible damage that far outweighs the extra costs associated with climate-controlled units.
Protect Your Belongings From Summer Heat
Whether you’re moving abroad for the summer or you’re a college student moving home for the summer break, summer storage is a great option to consider for your personal belongings. However, before you leave everything in a unit during the warm summer season, it’s best to take some time to plan and prepare accordingly.
Create an Inventory List
To get started, make a short inventory list of your belongings. Determine which items are high-value and may require extra protection from extreme temperatures and high humidity.
Determine Duration
Next, determine how long you actually need to use the storage unit. If it’s just for a month or two, you can likely get away with storing wooden furniture or sensitive items in a standard unit. If you plan to extend your summer storage for an additional four to six months, a climate-controlled unit is probably a safer option.
Location
The Southwest and the Gulf Coast see the warmest weather during the summer months, while the Pacific Northwest and Coastal New England states tend to see rather mild summer weather. If you’re in a warmer region of the United States, a climate-controlled unit will likely be worth the investment.
Decide on a Unit
Once you’ve assessed your inventory list and your specific storage needs, it’s time to decide which option is best for you. Many individuals find that standard storage is a great temporary solution for their belongings, even during the warm summer months. However, if you’re planning to store family heirlooms or expensive wooden furniture, a climate-controlled space will provide you with the peace of mind you need.
Prep Your Belongings
If you decide to go with a standard storage unit, it’s best to prep your belongings before placing them into the unit. For starters, you’ll want to invest in airtight bins so that moisture and condensation can’t reach your items. Concrete flooring can also sweat in high humidity, so you’ll also want to elevate your belongings by placing the boxes on pallets or shelves.
Rent With Price Self Storage
Do you need a climate-controlled storage unit in Southern California? Price Self Storage® has two locations in Rancho Cucamonga offering affordable climate-controlled units. Explore availability at our locations on Haven Ave and Arrow Rte today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Climate-Controlled Self-Storage
So, is climate-controlled storage necessary? It depends on what you’re storing and for how long. Review our frequently asked questions below before investing in a storage solution this summer.
How hot can a storage unit get during the summer?
A standard, non-climate-controlled storage unit can reach anywhere from 80°F to 100°F during the summer months. In some warmer regions in the world, it’s not uncommon for the temperatures to reach or even exceed 120°F. A climate-controlled self-storage unit maintains a stable temperature, ensuring your belongings are protected, no matter how often the outdoor temperatures fluctuate.
Can humidity damage items in storage during the summer?
Yes, humidity combined with extreme temperatures can cause unwanted condensation, leading to mold, mildew, and a foul odor. If you’re temporarily leaving your belongings in a non-climate-controlled storage unit, it’s best to keep your items elevated and stored on shelves or pallets. It’s also best to pack your items in an airtight plastic bin, ensuring moisture can’t get in.
How long can sensitive items stay in a non-climate-controlled storage unit?
You can keep sensitive items in a non-climate-controlled storage unit for around 30 to 90 days, without risking irreversible damage. However, the damage may vary, depending on the temperature and the item. If you’re storing expensive or irreplaceable items in a storage unit, it’s always best to play it safe using a climate-controlled space.
